Article

MSU loses first game

Central Washington holds lead throughout

By Free Press Staff

MONMOUTH, ORE — The Mavericks never led in the game.

The loss prevented the Mavericks (12-1) from setting the school record for most consecutive wins to start a season. The 1931-32 team also started 12-0.

The Mavericks were one of only 11 undefeated teams left in NCAA Division II prior to playing the Wildcats (3-6).

MSU junior forward Luke Anderson led the Mavericks with 21 points. Senior forward Jamel Staten had 18 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Andy Moeller scored 14 points, all in the second half. Junior forward Rueben Trotter came off the bench to score 10 points and grab 10 rebounds.

Central Washington had five players in double figures and shot 31 of 38 from the free-throw line.

The Wildcats opened a 9-3 lead early in the game and extended that to as much as 15 before taking a 35-26 halftime lead. The Mavericks shot 29 percent from the field in the first half.

MSU improved that number to 58.8 percent in the second half, as the two teams combined for 105 points over the final 20 minutes.

After making a 13-2 run, the Mavericks tied the game at 59-all with 6:51 left in the game. But the Wildcats scored 11 of the next 13 points to take over again.

Minnesota State will continue tournament play at 9 p.m. today against Western Oregon.